Greg Wright, Deputy Business Editor

JAMES Newman, the chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, (LEP) is urging local firms to show their support for a planned devolution deal by taking part in an online consultation process.

The proposed deal will mean that more economic decisions are made locally.

In October, local politicians and business leaders secured the “in-principle” deal with the Chancellor George Osborne to transfer national powers and control over funding from Government departments to the Sheffield City Region, as well as securing a £900m additional cash boost over the next 30 years to deliver major regeneration, infrastructure and business growth schemes.

The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and LEP are asking residents and businesses to have their say by visiting – www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk. Mr Newman said: “I’m encouraging local businesses from across the city region to take this opportunity to go online and show their support for the devolution deal.

“This deal will enable our local political and business leaders to take decision-making to the next level, making bigger and better local decisions over skills, business growth and infrastructure.

“Anyone interested in future business growth in our City Region should go online and take part before the consultation closes next month.”

The consultation will be open until Friday, January 15 2016 and local residents and businesses are being invited to comment.

The deal covers a range of themes including transport, skills, inward investment and support to help local businesses export.